Family Luxury Barcelona-Style at the Mandarin Oriental

Fantastic Modernist architecture is one of Barcelona’s exceptional features. This backdrop is paired with a relaxed and social atmosphere unlike any other European city. Do you have plans to travel to Barcelona with kids? Staying in accommodations that embrace these unique elements greatly enhances any visit. We just stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, and loved it. True to their marketing slogan, I’m now officially “a fan.”

Opened in November 2009, this 98-room luxury hotel is a treat for parents and kids alike with sensational Barcelona-inspired design and incredible service in an unbeatable location.

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona Luxury Family Hotel Review

Guest Experience

The minute you walk into the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona you are transported into an urban oasis. Chic and whimsical, the décor inside is exciting and fun to explore as there are a vast number of intimate and interesting spaces to uncover, particularly for a hotel of this size.

From the bright and airy lounge Blanc, to the signature gourmet restaurant Moments, to the 1,000 square meter spa with a long list of treatments and an indoor pool, leaving the hotel is actually cause for pause. That tells you something!

Luxurious and Kid-Friendly

Although reviewing family-friendly luxury hotels is our specialty on Ciao Bambino, this is our first experience with the Mandarin Oriental brand. I covered them at the International Luxury Travel Market this year in Cannes, but have yet to experience one of their hotels with kids … until now.

Despite the parent-pleasing allure of the décor and adult-focused spaces, the moment kids enter the building, they receive a warm welcome. In typical Catalan style, the attitude isn’t scripted or formal, just warm and sincere. The family-friendly elements are subtle here. There’s no kids’ welcome desk or elaborate activity presented at check in. The main surprise is waiting in the room. Ours included a beautiful display of Spanish books, a paper cone filled with small prizes, and edible treats.  There are kids’ menus available at the in-house restaurants.

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona Guest Rooms

Otherwise, the other family-friendly feature is the guest rooms. We had a deluxe double room with a perfect little nook for an extra bed. They also have connecting rooms and suites that work for families of four or more people.

The guest rooms at this hotel are glorious.  Our room an average size, but cleverly designed to optimize space with wonderful lighting and decadent, cozy beds. The bathrooms are magnificent with Japanese-style soaking tubs and gorgeous rain showers.

My only complaint was that our room was garden-facing and a bit dark. If you like a bright and light guest room, it’s best to request a street-facing room.

Unbeatable Location

The location of the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona on the coveted Passeig de Gràcia is unbeatable for sightseeing, shopping, dining, and strolling. Surrounded by leafy broad avenues, two of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces are just blocks away, and the Gothic Quarter as well as La Sagrada Familia are all within walking distance.

The beach, Park Guell, and Tibidabo require public transportation or a 10-minute taxi ride.

Other Exceptional Amenities and Services

The hotel offers an outdoor lounge, Mimosa Garden, a casual and buzzy place that is ideally suited for an early and simple dinner if you want to avoid a typically late Spanish dinner with kids. There’s also a rooftop pool (really a poolette as it’s small) but it boasts fabulous views of the surrounding area.

Meanwhile, their family package includes two hours of free baby-sitting, so parents can effortlessly add a bit of romance or relaxation into their Barcelona vacation.

Want More Information and Help Booking a Holiday in Barcelona?

We can help! Our Family Vacation Consulting Service can does everything from sourcing/booking accommodations to organizing excursions with vetted family-friendly tour guides. Request assistance on our Connect with a Family Travel Advisor page.

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino recommended Spain family hotels

Why we love Spain with children

Things to do in Barcelona with kids

Things to do in Seville with kids

Things to do in Madrid with kids

Family travel Spain – visiting Nerjas

La Sagrada Familia for Photo Friday